Landlords ask for a SCHUFA credit report for most rental flats in Germany. Many newcomers do not know that European law allows them to obtain the data SCHUFA holds about them free of charge.

The free data copy and the paid report

The free data copy (Datenkopie under Art. 15 GDPR) contains all the information held about your accounts, credit cards, phone contracts and scores. The paid SCHUFA-BonitätsAuskunft (check the current price on meineschufa.de) consists of two parts, one of which is intended for third parties and does not reveal unnecessary personal details.

How to order the free copy on the official website

On meineschufa.de, look for the link “Datenkopie (nach Art. 15 DS-GVO)”. Fill in the form with your current and, if needed, previous addresses. The copy is sent free of charge by ordinary post; how long it takes depends on demand.

If you have no German credit history

People who have just arrived in Germany usually have no entries. The free data copy then shows that there are no negative entries. Explain in your cover letter that the lack of history is due to your recent move, and support your ability to pay with your employment contract.

How to protect personal data when sharing it

The free copy is meant for you, not for third parties: it shows all your contracts and scores. If the landlord agrees to accept it instead of the paid report, black out what they do not need, such as account numbers, balances and scores. What usually matters to a landlord is whether there are any negative entries.

What to check

  • Order the free copy under Art. 15 GDPR soon after registering your address.
  • Use only the official website meineschufa.de and avoid third-party sites with subscriptions.
  • Black out internal scores before sharing the document with a landlord.
  • Ask the landlord which report they accept and, if necessary, order the paid version, which is available online immediately.

Example situation

A newcomer orders the free data copy a week after arriving, receives a report with no negative entries and successfully uses it to rent his first flat.

Next step

The free data copy helps you check your own data, but many landlords expect the paid BonitätsAuskunft; order early and check the landlord's requirements.

Official information on this topic

Checklists and examples are organisational recommendations. Requirements depend on the procedure, the city and your situation; check them with the relevant office before you act. Please discuss legal and tax questions with an authorised professional.

This article was prepared with the help of AI. The example illustrates the approach and does not describe a client case.